Getting Time Standard: Stopwatch Time Study

Submitted by Suzette M. Mercado on Thu, 02/13/2014 - 16:16

It is vital to every business to set expectations for its employees, balance workload, manage constraints, determine staffing levels and crew size, schedule and eliminate waste and non-value-added activity. Thus, work measurement is the technique to set off, for any organization where human and machines contribute to output, to customer service, or even to cost.

Work measurement provides tools to manage the business better. Work measurement engages the estimation of the amount of human effort needed for producing a unit of specified output from an operation. The amount of time that is usually taken by in a well trained worker, operating under normal working conditions, to produce one unit of output is referred as work standard.

A work standard is used when assigning work to employees, scheduling work in departments, and evaluating employee performance. Organizations use several different techniques to set work standards. These are stopwatch time study, work sampling, and predetermined motion times.

Stopwatch Time Study

Time study is a procedure used to measure the time required by a qualified operator working at the normal performance level to perform a given task in accordance with a specified method. It usually includes methods study. The time study analyst has to observe the methods while making a time study. It is advantageous, while the time study is being conducted, the analyst should also look for opportunities for methods improvement.

The procedure for time study can best be described with the following steps:

Step 1: Define objective of the study. This involves statement of the use of the result, the precision desired, and the required level of confidence in the estimated time standards.

The desired accuracy is often stated as a percentage of the average of the observed time. The sample size needed to achieve a certain level of accuracy can be computed using the formula:

Sample size:

n = (zs/ax)2

n = (zs/e)2

where: n = number of observations needed

x = mean of the observed time

a = allowable error as percentage of average time

e = maximum acceptable error

s = standard deviation of observed time

z = number of normal standard deviation needed for desired confidence

Typical values of z, cumulative probabilities of the Standard Normal Distribution used in this computation are:

Confidence Level z value

90% 1.65

95% 1.96

95.5% 2.00

98% 2.33

99% 2.58

Example:

A time study analyst wished to estimate the time required to perform a certain job. A preliminary work showed a mean of 6 minutes and a standard deviation of 2 minutes. The desired confidence is 95%. What`s the sample size needed if the desired error is (a) + 10% and (b) one-half minute of the sample mean?

for (a)

n = [1.96(2)/0.10(6)]2

n = 42.68 or 43 sample size

for (b)

n =[ 1.96(2)/0.5]2

n = 61.47 or 62 sample size

Step 2: Analyze the operation to determine whether standard method and conditions exist and whether the operator is properly trained. If need is felt for method study or further training of operator, the same may be completed before starting the time study.

Step 3: Select Operator to be studied if there is more than one operator doing the same task.

Step 6: Time the operator for each of the elements. Record the data for a few numbers of cycles. Use the data to estimate the total numbers of observations to be taken.

Step 7: Collect and record the data of required number of cycles by timing and rating the operator. Performance rating is invariably required when setting standards by stopwatch time study due to some cases: the operator being observed may work faster than average (naturally quicker, showing off, or speeding up due to nervousness from being studied); and the operator being observed may work more slowly than the average (just naturally slower, slowing down on purpose to confuse the time study analyst, or excessive interruptions, and so on). The standard performance rating is denoted as 100 percent.

Step 8: For each element calculate the representative watch time or observed time. Multiply it by the rating factory to get normal time.

Normal time =Observed time) x Rating factor

Example: An operator takes an average of 10 minutes to complete a particular task. Operator’s performance rating (pace) is 110%. What is the normal time for completing this task?

NT = 10 minutes (110%/100%)

NT = 11 minutes

Add the normal time of various elements to obtain the normal time for the whole operation.

Step 9: Determine allowances for various delays from the company's policy book or by conducting an independent study. The readings of any time study are taken over a relatively short period of time. The normal time arrived at, therefore does not include unavoidable delay and other lawful lost time, for example, in waiting for materials, tools or equipment; planned inspection of parts; interruptions due to valid personal need, etc. It is necessary and important that the time study analyst applies some adjustment, or an allowance to pay off for such losses, so that time standard is established for the given job.

Step 10: Determine standard time by adding allowances to the normal time of operation.

Standard Time = (NT) x (1 + allowance factor)

Using Allowance Factor for task:

AFtask: ST = (NT)(1 + AF)

Allowance Factor for shift or total work period:

AFshift: ST = NT/ (1 – AF)

AFtask is most often used in practice which assumes that allowances are added to normal time. If presumes that allowances should be applied to the total work period, then AFshift should be used.

Example: An operator takes an average of 10 minutes to complete a particular task. Operator’s performance rating (pace) is 110% and there is an allowance of 15%. What is the normal time and standard time for completing this task?

Given the NT = 11 minutes,

Using AFtask, therefore, the standard time is,

ST = 11 x (1 + 0.15) = 12.65 minutes

Today, Work Measurement studies and establishing time standards is very easy with the use of a unique TimeCorder device. Let's watch this video.

Guide Question:

When can we say that time values or the computed time standard is actually the standard? (Write your answer in the comment section below)

Let's try this quiz!!!

About the author

Suzette Masangcay-Mercado is currently taking up Master of Science in Engineering Education major in Industrial Engineering at Rizal Technological University, Mandaluyong City. She is a faculty member of Batangas State University, Alangilan Campus under the College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts.

Knowledge on time study is one of the strengths of an Industrial Engineer. This article really helps a lot because this is an easy way of recalling lectures and formulas an Industrial Engineer might need. Credits to the author of the article and ourhappyschool.com for a job well done. I hope to read more articles on this website. Thank you and good day!

This article gives me a review on time study and getting the standard time. Being an Industrial Engineering student, the knowledge gained from this will help us for our future career as a Time Study Analyst. Thank you to ourhappyschool.com and the author of this article! More power. :)

Getting the time of every operation will help the company to standardize its operation. By this, the company will be able to schedule properly it's operation. This article will help the companies to standardized their operations. Also, as a student of Industrial Engineering, it helped me to recall again the formula in getting the standard time of a process. Regards to the author and to ourhappyschool. God bless.

As an Industrial Engineering, one of our task/job was to get the standard time of a certain process for its improvement and thanks to this article as it acts as one of our reviewer in work measurement.. two thumbs up to the author of this article! :)

Time Study. IE students are very familiar with that term. Sometimes, they say that, when you say IE, one thing that came to their mind is the stop watch. Well, as an IE, it is our tool in measuring work standards. And on this article, we are reviewed about getting time standards, time study, and the formulas. Thanks for the article and credits to the author and even ourhappyschool for this remarkable job. It will help a lot. God Bless. :D

Recall and learn more! This article served as a refresher for students like me who have taken up time and motion study and an instructional material as well for others who are quite new with the concept. Ms. Author was able to really delve into details the entire procedure of time study. With that manner, readers of her article could easily cope up! I just do hope that Ms. Author would continue to impart more of her ideas. It's really good to take some time reading such informative works! It feels great to feed our minds!

Recall and learn more! This article served as a refresher for students like me who have taken up time and motion study and an instructional material as well for others who are quite new with the concept. Ms. Author was able to really delve into details the entire procedure of time study. With that manner, readers of her article could easily cope up! I just do hope that Ms. Author would continue to impart more of her ideas. It's really good to take some time reading such informative works! It feels great to feed our minds!

Recall and learn more! This article served as a refresher for students like me who have taken up time and motion study and an instructional material as well for others who are quite new with the concept. Ms. Author was able to really delve into details the entire procedure of time study. With that manner, readers of her article could easily cope up! I just do hope that Ms. Author would continue to impart more of her ideas. It's really good to take some time reading such informative works! It feels great to feed our minds!

Recall and learn more! This article served as a refresher for students like me who have taken up time and motion study and an instructional material as well for others who are quite new with the concept. Ms. Author was able to really delve into details the entire procedure of time study. With that manner, readers of her article could easily cope up! I just do hope that Ms. Author would continue to impart more of her ideas. It's really good to take some time reading such informative works! It feels great to feed our minds!

Recall and learn more! This article served as a refresher for students like me who have taken up time and motion study and an instructional material as well for others who are quite new with the concept. Ms. Author was able to really delve into details the entire procedure of time study. With that manner, readers of her article could easily cope up! I just do hope that Ms. Author would continue to impart more of her ideas. It's really good to take some time reading such informative works! It feels great to feed our minds!

As an industrial engineering student, this article is very interesting since it discusses the most commonly used work measurement method which is the Time Study. It helped me recall the steps and formulas in performing the time study with the help of a stop watch. The article is very helpful since I will be taking my comprehensive and certification exam. Congratulations to the author and to ourhappyschool.com. More power! :)

This has always been one of my favorite topics in Work Measurement. It has proven useful in many studies as it serves the basis for process improvement. I appreciate that this has been immortalized by being published online. This way, anytime I'm connected to the internet, I could brush up on my time-standard taking -- without the hassle of going through complicated un-summarized lectures. Thank you, Engr. Suzette! Great job on this article!

This article is a good way of recalling the concepts and formulas of time study using stop watch. The article is very timely for comprehensive examination. Credits to the author and to ourhappyschool.
more power!

Time and motion studies were performed by Industrial Engineers who would observe how long the operators took to do certain operations and would then mathematically calculated standard times for operations. We can say that the time values or the computed time standard is actually the standard when the standard calculated time is accurate in the time we measured to complete the task called observed time. Having also a performance rating factor, the factor is calculated by an experienced worker who is trained to observe and determine the rating. And lastly it can also determine using the standard time formula.
By this article, as an Industrial Engineering student taking work measurement subject. It may help to gain knowledge in getting standard time in every operation. To Ms. Author, thanks for this informative work you've done. It will help a lot! Great Job and May God Bless you always. More Power to you Ms. Author and also to ourhappyschool.com

To get standard time in a production line with all the workers doing the same task, we can minimize the search by getting time from those persons that reach the desired output in a normal pace and by getting their individual time and comparing them using stopwatch time study, we can determine which is the best standard time for the operation that is not too slow or too fast but still gives an output that has a better quality.the quality of the products shout not be neglected in determining the standard time. We can also determine a performance rating using stopwatch time study that can be use to get standard time.
About the quiz i got 26 out of 30. The quiz is not that hard but makes you remember all about time study.For me, answering in this site is more convenient because it has less pressure.
This article makes all Industrial Engineering students remember about work measurement or time study that can be use in the near future because later on as we go in the outside world we can become a manager and a supervisor and it will be one of our job to determine the standard time in a production.
I am thankful to you ma'am and this site because this will truly help all the students.

To get the standard time in a production line with all the workers doing the same task, we can used the set time standard of the comapany. After we conduct time study, compare it to the company's standard time. Eliminate the longer time in performing a task. And now you can set the stanbdard time by evaluting your observation and the standard time of the company. And for this article, it was a brain re-freshener, this article helped me in remembering or recalling my pass lessons in work measurement. the quiz is not that easy but also not that difficult, thanks for this site, because i will not going to find out where is my hand outs, this will serves as easy access to the answers. no hustle at all, all you need is internet connection. I got 22 out of 30. Plus there are some questions/quiz that set also as reviewer. Thanks to the author and to the developer of this site because it help not only the students but also those people you are in their professional field. :)

to get the standard time, we can use stopwatch time study and also by using elements. we can compare the computed standard time with the older one for us to know what to use. by reading this article, i recalled our past lessons and it is a big help for our upcoming major examination. this site is interesting because of the challenge of the quiz. if i want to review, i will just log in here and read articles and answer quizzes. i got 18 over 30. not that good but still passed it :) thanks to the author for refreshing our minds :D

The standard time is the time required by an average skilled operator, working at a normal pace, to perform a specified task using a prescribed method.We can say that the time values or the computed time standard is actually the standard time if the operator/s are/is doing task in normal condition producing large quantity of outputs with quality.I got 60% in the quiz but still it is a passing grade..^^
-HAZIELLE M. BUQUIS :)

Time study and motion study are so much related to each other since time study is used to determine the standard time of a certain task. While motion study is a way on how an analyst or observer can develop or improve the work methods. Through this article, I've learn more about time study, motion study and the standard time, which is one of the important thing that an IE should be familiar with. By the way, I passed the quiz. :D but it doesn't mean that I've got enough knowledge about this. I still want to learn more. I hope that the author will still continue to educate people through making an article like this. ;) Thanks and more power to the author. :)

I got 22/30. We can say that time values or the computed time standard is actually the standard if the operator being observed is in normal condition and produce the desired outputs with quality.
Reading this kind of article is really useful for an aspiring Industrial Engineers as we all know that time study is one of the basic knowledge that an Industrial Engineer must comprehend.

Time study is used to determine the time required by a qualified and well trained person working at a normal pace to do a specified task. The result of Time study is the time that a person suited to the job and fully trained in the specified method that need to perform the job if it works at a normal or standard speed. this is called standard time. We can say that time values or the computed time standard is actually the standard if the observer/operator do with their task when performing an activity and if it have an accurate time to do so. In this article,i remembered all activity performed last time. I always feel nervous when i start in performing in the activity. I don't know why what is the reason. When reading this kind of article, it helps to pursue our knowledge that gives a challenge for us..Thanks to the author to refreshing our minds and get a review in the past lesson in work measurement..

We can say that time values or computed time standard is the standard when an operator/s being observed by an analyst is in his/her normal pace where she/he can produced a large quantity of output with quality in a specified task. This will also determine by using different kinds of prescribed method, in order to have an accurate time standard. It is important also that before setting a required time standard it must have it's own basis where it can make the conclusion of the data being more accurate.

We can say that time values or computed time standard is the standard when an operator/s being observed by an analyst can performed in a normal pace where he/she can produced a large quantity of output with quality in a specified task. Using different kinds of prescribed method may also help to determine the accurate time standard on such task where the analyst can make it's own data have it's own basis to be able the information being collected or observed is accurate.

A time and motion study (or time-motion study) is a business efficiency technique combining the Time Study work. It is a major part of scientific management (Taylorism).I've got 22 points on this quiz even if i forgot something on this topic. haha. i feel some nervous because it's my first time to answer an exam that i see the limit of time.This article is awesome it gives a lot of ideas.

The computed time standard is considered as the actual standard when the time value involved in an activity was effectively and efficiently used. Effective in a way where the task is done in a good quality condition and efficient to say that the activity is done in a desirable and satisfactory performance. For example, choosing among the operator who can finished the activity in a normal pace having desired output with quality than the operator who can finished in a higher performance rate but with a low quality output, the analyst will likely chose the time standard of the operator in a normal pace with the good quality output. It is in order to avoid rejection which will result to a low productivity. About the quiz, I got 18 over 30. I panicked when it is stated that the quiz has a limiting time. :D I used to answer the questions quickly then I realized at the end that 30 min is a little bit longer than I expected..

24/30.. :)
I think that the computed standard time can be concluded as the standard time when it is the most occurred time observed that takes a well-trained worker to complete his job under normal working conditions with, of course, the consideration of important factors such as the performance rating of the worker and reasonable allowances.
This article made me realize my mistakes (and misunderstandings) in our midterm exams. Its very helpful, nonetheless..

Time study is a procedure used to measure the time required by a qualified operator working at the normal performance level to perform a given task in accordance with a specified method.And it is the most popular method of work measurement. We can say that the computed time value is already a standard if a qualified worker is working with a normal pace producing the desirable output with quality. And if there is an assembly line working, we can get the standard time by getting the time of the workers whose working at their normal pace and reached the outputs with quality. After that compare the individual time and we can now identify the standard time of the operator that naturally achieved the work without over-exertion.And if the time study results are accurate, identifiable and verifiable, we can conclude that its standard.It feels so refreshing and during the quiz, i feel pressured but still i got 26/30 and it's a passing score. To Ms.Author, thank you for reminding us about conducting time study because after 3 to 5 years from now, we will be dealing that and this article will serve as a guide to study harder and to become Industrial Engineer someday.

Time study is actually helps in determining the capacity of a certain or a qualified worker/workers and also help in finding various improvement for the betterment of the process in a said company.As an industrial engineer someday I find it important to learn this method.
In taking the quiz i'am nervous but I got 22/30 and it is a passing score. I enjoy answering the familiar questions and also gain more knowledge.

We can say that time values or the computed time standard is actually the standard through the proper observation of the time study analyst. He/she is the key to know if we will be going to follow the computed time standard because while observing, he/she will see and analyze how the workers do the activity. Then, he/she will choose among those qualified workers and select those who do the work in a normal condition at the same time hits the target output. The output should be of good quality. After selecting, the analyst will do the time study and will compare the results to determine the best time that will be set as the standard. When doing the time study, he/she will rate the performance of each worker and also determines the allowances needed by the workers. This is one way of getting the standard time easily specially when there are many workers doing the same task. If the observer/time study analyst successfully made this, we can now say that the computed time standard is really the standard.
With regards to the given quiz, I've
got 20 out of 30. I'm satisfied with it because even though I got that score ,at least, there is a chance to review the quiz and find out my mistakes.
thank you so much Ms. Author for this article.More power to you!..God bless po!:)

Yipiee! I got 24/30. i'm happy with my score but i know i still need to improve. :)
Like what others have said the time values or the computed time standard is actually the standard if the operator working under a specific task is at a normal pace or condition. It shows that the operator is suited for the job and fully trained. And a normal operator is defined as a qualified, means experienced operator.
This site is very helpful to us students and also to those who already graduated in college and working for many years because it let us know the important factors that we need to remember.

It is vital for us as an IE student to understand the time study. As we go far to our field, we can use this knowlegde as a guide to enhance and improve our skills and ability in getting the time standard.The result of time study is the time that a person suited to the job and fully trained in the specified method will need to perform the job if they work at a normal or standard pace.
So,I can say that if the result of the time study is accurate to the standard time, it is really a standard.
I passed the quiz :)))) I got 22/30. thanks for the author of this article..more power to you.

Regarding the quiz, i’ve got 26 out of 30.
We can say that time values or the computed time standard is actually the standard when the well trained worker is working within a normal pace producing the desired output in an efficient way and effective attitude. For example, in a company, a person who conducts time study, which is an industrial engineer, get the standard time by observing each worker doing their assigned task in a normal pace. After getting all the time, he/she will compare the time and will identify the standard time of the operator that he/she thinks best accomplished the work without delays and other non-valued added activities. He/she can either combine the ways on how the worker can efficiently and effectively do the work and then finally set the standard time for the tasks.
Time standard is essential in every aspect of life because time is precious and every individual has to determine how to accomplish a task efficiently and effectively. A very single moment which passed once will never come back to be availed. Time study helps you to identify the useless activities which can be avoided.

I got 22/30 in the quiz. Yey! I've passed even though I failed to attend the discussions for midterm. :)
We say that time values or the computed time standard is actually the standard when a qualified worker carry out a specified task with a normal pace producing the desirable output with quality.
This article is really useful for us IE students. Thanks to the great author. :)

18/30. Computed time standard is actually the standard time because when we say standard time it is describing the actual work done and the method which is completed and there must be an agreed upon way of performing the work. Time study helps every students and individual to know the importance of every seconds in their lives. It also helps us to become more productive and efficient.

Time standards may be determined by conducting time study. Time study is performed to measure the time required by a well-trained and qualified person working efficiently and effectively. Effective and efficient, in a way that the qualified worker is working in a normal pace of a given task under specified condition wherein he/she produces output w/ less rejects. If a worker works faster than the average rate(standard rate) and produces more output but more rejects, then we cannot say that his/her working time is the standard.
Btw, i got 26/30 in the quiz :) It serves as a review about the previous topic.

We can say that the Time values or the computed time standard is actually the standard based on the study analyst proper observation and the taken time by a well trained operator. This article helps everyone to learn more about Work Standard, especially those IE students like me. It can help us to improve our ability for time standards for effective and efficient results. :)
i got 26/30. :)

knowing how to conduct standard time should be one of the skills that an Industrial Engineer should be expert of. This exam helps me to review more about time study.
I've got 60 % for this exam. That percentage made me realized that I should study more about time study. Thank you for the author. :)

Agreeing with those comments above, this article can help those people who are not knowledgeable about getting the time standard of a certain task or process. It helps me also to recall those lessons that we've study and analyze those mistakes on our exam. Thanks to the author that I've already knew the answers.:) I've got 18/30.
*We can say that computed time is the standard, when analysts measure properly a qualified operator performing his work at a standard pace and effectively utilizing her/his time in performing his/her assigned task.Considering performance rating and allowances. Having a greater number of observations, the more accurate the study. :)

I got 24/30. *why is it 100 percent is not one of the reference answer?*(for those who read comments first before answering the quiz. haha)
This article is very useful for all the Industrial Engineering students, professionals, and professors. It is because the article is well-discussed and also it includes quiz to test the comprehension of the reader. You just have to search this article, and presto, you can instantly review about getting standard time.
As the comments above, we can say that the time values or computed standard time is actually the standard when the qualified operator/s being observed by a qualified observer/analyst is able to complete the specified task under the normal working condition and considering performance rating and allowances. Oyeah, it's good to know that I had learned our topic, and will learn more through my realized mistakes done.

As an Industrial Engineering student, this article is very helpful because it discussed very clearly and it is easily understand.
The quiz helps very much to really see how well you understand this article. As for me I got 20 out of 30.
We can say that time values or the computed time standard is actually the standard by the properly observing a qualified worker that is working with a normal pace producing the desirable output with quality.
I hope this article can help more Industrial Engineers...

I took the quiz and got 24 out of 30. I had fun! I enjoyed taking the short quiz with an added time pressure. (It took me 14 minutes to finish the quiz and my fingers were trembling because I badly wanted to finish early, got excited and nervous at the same time haha) :) I think this kind of approach to nurture a student's mind is really effective. We the students were able to gain knowledge from reading the article, we were given a quiz so that we can see how much we've learned and the best part is we were able to interact with other students by posting comments.
As for the article, it really helped us to understand the topic better and it gave us a fun learning experiencing. Thank you :)

This article is very helpful especially to us, Industrial Engineering student for it shows clearly the concept of Time Study. We can easily catch up the ideas and helps us to widen our knowledge. Standard time is a the required time of an average skilled worker, working at a normal pace, performing a specified task with a prescribed method. We can say that the computed time standard is actually the standard time if the operator is in normal condition in doing the task and can produce large quantity of output with quality. I got 22/30 in the quiz. :)

I've got 24/30 on the quiz :) Regarding on the guide question, we can say that the computed time value is actually the standard time when the analyst who did the observation is capable enough of doing the task, moreover good operator is also a factor that contributes in having accurate time.
This article is very essential for industrial engineering students for we sometimes ignore all of those ideas after taking up the subject. But through this article, students are able to refresh their minds those ideas which are really needed especially in what they called 'real world'

Work standard is used when assigning task to employees, scheduling work proper and evaluating the performance of each worker. it uses different techniques to use this standards such as stopwatch time study. it is the time required to measure a qualified operator working at normal level. With the article, it is very useful with us IE because it gives a lot of information about conducting time study which we can apply in various companies. I got 24/30 on the quiz! :))

using stopwatch time study, we can also determine the best standard time for the operation, that is not too slow or too fast which gives better output and of course has better quality. We can say if it is really the standard time,if the well trained operator did the job in his/her normal phase.In that quiz,I got 23/30....enjoyed it at the same time tensed because I thought I'm not able to paSsed..thanks god.'':))))))

when can we say that the computed values or time standard is actually standard..
first,know the standard procedure set by the company it is where you will base your elements in time study.
then observe the worker at a normal working pace who are following the standard procedure set by the company that can reach or exceed the “quota” and those who cannot reach the “quota”,the worker not following the standard procedure that can reach or exceed the “quota” and those who cannot reach the “quota”.
compare the results, know the unnecessary movements of each or the things that can affect his work.know the difference on how they perform task. by then you will know what will be the actual standard time..
about the article..it gives us a review about getting time standard..
it refreshes the minds of the readers especially those who are know working on a company..i got 20 out of 30..(:

We all know that human performance is not consistent, that's why time study is very important. And as an IE, what we do is to conduct this study. With this article, we can recall what we have studied in work measurement and to understand more about this topic. :D I got 22/30.

to get the standard time we need to determine first the normal time of an operator and its performance rating. Performance rating is an important step in the work measurement procedures. Allowances is considered in getting standardtime. we can say if it is really a standard time, if the well trained operator did the job at his or her normal phase. In that quiz I got 22/30. Im thankful that I passed in this quiz. Meaning, I am qualified to become an IE.